GWI Australian subsidiary dealing with Cyclone Grant aftermath

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI) reported that a train operated by its subsidiary Genesee & Wyoming Australia Pty Ltd (GWA) derailed in the vicinity of the Edith River bridge, approximately 40 km (18.6 miles) north of Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia, December 27.

Flood waters associated with heavy rainfall from Cyclone Grant washed away the southern abutment of the Edith River bridge while a northbound GWA intermodal train consisting of three locomotives, an unoccupied crew van and 33 wagons was passing over en route to Darwin. The crew van, three wagons containing intermodal containers and two wagons containing copper concentrate were derailed into the river. One of the two GWA crew members received non-life-threatening injuries in the incident and is recovering in the hospital. The extent of any damage from the derailed loading will be determined following an investigation.

The railroad segment between Katherine and Darwin is out of service. Crews are inspecting the bridge and making plans for restoring service over the approximately 350-meter (382.7-yard) affected segment. It is not yet known how long repairs will take.

GWA, a wholly owned subsidiary of GWI, operates the 2,200-km (1,367-mile) Tarcoola to Darwin rail line, which links the Port of Darwin with the Australian interstate rail network in South Australia.